Majors collating examples of current cycle safety initiatives and technology

It has been reported by the Times that the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) is looking to produce a strategy which could include greater safety measures to protect cyclists around building sites, lorries and vans.

Following an information gathering exercise UKCG will look at issuing guidance notes to all their members and builders’ merchants and suppliers to ensure involvement of the entire construction supply chain.

Stephen Ratcliffe, a director at UKCG, told the Times discussions were “at an early stage”. He added:

“All I can say is that this is very much an issue that is on the industry’s radar. It’s all very well to be inward-looking and protecting workers on site but we also have to outward looking and ensure we are protecting the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and road-users.

We are aware of the health and safety risk [to cyclists] and this is about finding a more cohesive and collective way to manage the issue. If the same message is coming out from 30 companies rather than just one, it is far more powerful.

All the UKCG members have been asked to collate and share examples of current initiatives and examples of new technology, relevant for contractors to help prevent injuries to cyclists.

It may be we issue a series of guidance notes, common-sense advise, or tell builders merchants and suppliers that they must also be aware of the risk, and make sure their vehicles have sensor bars.”